Summer is for staycations

Banana Island Resort by AnantaraWe struggle to visit this game-changing Doha hotel for a staycation. You are, after all, transported both literally and mentally to another place on the 25-minute Catamaran ride over. Even if you’re whizzed over by a private helicopter, it must feel like a getaway. The banana-shaped island resort, with its 800m beach and 100m long lagoon pool is a gorgeous tourist spot with a detailed staycation deal. Stay in a room, suite or villa and you will be able to enjoy a daily buffet breakfast and a dinner buffet at Azraq. While you’re this far removed from town, it is also a good idea to indulge in wellness treatments as you make the most of the 15 percent discounts at the Anantara Spa. QR1,600. Ongoing. Banana Island Resort by Anantara, Banana Island, www.doha.anantara.com (4040 5050).

St. Regis Doha HotelThis West Bay hotel is a great all-rounder for people wanting to experience Qatari hospitality with a touch of international flair. The Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) promotion includes excellent dining provisions as well as a much-needed dose of pampering. Specifically, this means breakfast, lunch and dinner at Opal by Gordon Ramsay and a 30-minute massage for two at the Remedé Spa. It would be churlish to point out problems where you are being offered three bites at a celebrity chef-inspired restaurant. So, instead we’ll mention the free hourly refreshments at a newly refurbished Olympic-sized swimming pool and large comfortable rooms to lounge around in.QR1,111. Until September 30. St. Regis Doha Hotel, West Bay Lagoon, www.stregisdoha.com (4446 0000).

W DohaDespite the sheer size of this 442-room property in West Bay, there is a boutique hotel feel to the W Doha. Modern, stylish and a world away from the routine perception of a business traveller hotel, the W Doha has bags of personality. It also has one of the most entertainment-packed promotions we’ve seen in many moons. The ‘Weekends Magnified’ promotion starts with an early check-in at noon on Thursdays (so sneak out of work early) and includes dinner at Spice Market followed by a couple of free drinks at Crystal, before a Market by Jean-Georges breakfast the next day and brunch, or dinner at La Spiga and more free drinks at Wahm that night. End the weekend with a lazy breakfast at W Cafe and you will have ticked off most of the hotel’s major spots in a single weekend. QR1,050 per night (two-night stay). Weekends. W Doha Hotel & Residences, West Bay, www.whoteldoha.com (4453 5000).

Grand Hyatt DohaThis attractive resort hotel near the Lagoona Mall and Pearl-Qatar development in Doha has 249 elegant rooms, 91 private villas, 400m private beach and is clearly a haven for holidaymakers. Over the summer prices are discounted by 25 percent, 35 percent if you’re splashing out on a villa, and in-house guests automatically get a 20 percent discount on food and beverages as well as all treatments at the impressive Jaula Spa. From QR563. Until August 30. Grand Hyatt Doha, West Bay Lagoon, doha.grand.hyatt.com (4448 1234).

Intercontinental DohaWhen you consider the thousands upon thousands of international visitors that choose to make Doha their holiday destination of choice each year, it makes sense to sample the hospitality overnight for yourself. If you’re one of those people, and we know they’re out there, who have always wanted to stay the night at the Intercontinental Doha and try jet-skiing (for free), then you have to try this deal. A reasonable summer rate comes with breakfast at Coral as well as a complimentary 30-minute jet ski lesson. QR900. Until December 31 (T&C). Intercontinental Doha, West Bay Lagoon, www.intercontinetal.com/doha (4484 4444).